Multiple level discectomy and fusion

THE VENTROLATERAL APPROACH for surgical decompression of the cervical spine is widely used and well known to most spinal surgeons. Because compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots usually occurs ventral to the spinal cord, and the spinal cord does not tolerate traction, this approach allows safe and direct decompression of most compressive pathology. This article reviews the indications, diagnostic evaluation, and technique for multiple level disectomy and fusion. It further addresses the advantages and disadvantages of this technique compared with alternate surgical procedures.